Regarding cataract surgery, our options have come a long way. Technology and medical innovation advancements have made this surgical procedure as quick and painless as possible. Many ophthalmologists can even use state-of-the-art lasers to emulsify the damaged lens, leaving it in pieces so small the cataract surgeon can aspirate them through a tiny, needle-thin incision in your cornea. The ophthalmologist then places an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, instead of your natural lens.
In addition to these remarkable surgical advancements, researchers and ophthalmologists have worked hard to create new intraocular lenses capable of correcting cataracts and other vision problems. Before these advancements, patients who went in for cataract surgery received a regular monofocal lens implant. This standard lens allowed them to see one distance. Their cataracts were gone, but any other vision issues they had remained.
Now, the wider availability of new premium lenses has allowed ophthalmologists to correct cataracts and other vision problems like astigmatism and poor near and distance vision. Below, we will explore the various premium lenses available today and how they can improve your overall vision.
What Types of Premium Lenses are Available?
Wouldn’t it be great to walk into a cataract surgeon’s office in Las Vegas and walk out without cataracts or the need for glasses? Premium lenses make this a reality.
Several types of premium lenses are available today, split into two main categories- multifocal and toric.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are intraocular lenses that allow the user to see both near and far. They’re most analogous to bifocal glasses, which have been the most common solution used to correct a condition known as presbyopia for the last 60+ years. As we age, presbyopia causes our natural lenses to harden gradually, meaning they’re not as flexible anymore. This makes it more difficult for our eyes to focus on objects closer to us, leading to blurry vision and difficulty seeing objects at an average reading distance.
Multifocal lenses can correct both cataracts and presbyopia. These unique lenses bend light differently, improving vision near and far distances.
Trifocal Lenses
Trifocal lenses are a type of multifocal lens that contain three steps, allowing for excellent vision at both near, intermediate, and far distances. These are new to the market but have already received rave patient reviews. Dr. Abrams was the first ophthalmologist to perform trifocal surgery in Nevada.
Since these trifocal lenses cover all distances, patients undergoing trifocal surgery may find they no longer need glasses.
Toric Lenses
Another type of intraocular lens that offers an additional benefit is toric lenses, which are used to correct astigmatism. It’s not the only method of correcting astigmatism. Still, if you also have cataracts and are going in for cataract surgery, it may be an excellent way to get both conditions treated at once.
There are also combination multifocal-toric intraocular lenses available in the United States, which can treat presbyopia, cataracts, and astigmatism. These options give patients a wide range of choices, and they can now work with their ophthalmologist to fix multiple vision problems with one quick outpatient surgery.
Why Choose Premium Lenses for Your Cataract Surgery?
In the past, the mono-focal intraocular lens was the standard replacement for a natural lens affected by cataracts. It fixed the primary issue but left other vision problems behind. Now, the innovation of these multifocal, trifocal, and toric premium lenses means that your vision can improve at multiple focal points and distances, potentially eliminating your need for glasses. Here are some other valuable benefits.
Allows for a Glasses-Free Lifestyle
Premium lenses are an excellent option for people with active lifestyles or who travel often and don’t want to keep up with glasses or contacts. These vision tools are helpful, but they require you to have glasses or contacts at all times, as well as other accessories, like your glasses case or contact solution, with you whenever you leave the house.
After their cataract surgery, many people who chose multifocal or trifocal lenses reported that their vision improved, and they no longer require glasses or contacts. They’re excited to travel, exercise, and go about their lives without being hampered by glasses or contacts.
Save on Long-Term Eyewear Costs
In addition to being able to live without needing to take care of glasses or contacts, choosing premium lenses for your cataract surgery is also a great way to save money long-term. You won’t need to wear glasses when you drive or exercise, so you won’t have to spend money on expensive frames, contacts, or prescription sunglasses.
Many health insurance policies and Medicare cover the cost of traditional cataract surgery as long as an ophthalmologist performs it. Depending on your healthcare provider, you may be able to walk away from glasses or contacts long-term without paying for the surgery yourself.
Finding the Right Clinic for Your Cataract Surgery in Nevada
Opting for premium lenses during cataract surgery is a great way to improve your overall vision in the long term. This decision should always be made with a qualified ophthalmologist who can answer all your questions before scheduling the procedure.
Finding a clinic where you feel comfortable is significant. You should be confident that the ophthalmologist doing your regular cataract or trifocal surgery in Las Vegas is qualified and dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety during the procedure.
At Abrams Eye Institute, Dr. Jack Abrams and his team are passionate about using the latest technology so patients can access this innovative eye care as soon as possible. Whether your issue is cataracts, astigmatism, or presbyopia, they’ll be able to help you get the fastest and easiest solution possible so that you can get back to your everyday life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our Las Vegas, Henderson, or Pahrump, Nevada locations.